friki
/ˈfɾiki/
The Spanish word for geek is friki.
friki is a widely used term that can function as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a geek or a nerd, denoting someone passionate about a specific hobby or fandom. As an adjective, it means geeky.
Meaning: expert in a technical field, particularly to do with computers (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the Anglicism Geek and the term Nerd are used to refer to a person with a great deal of technical knowledge, particularly in technology or computers.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɾiki/
Did you know?
- The term friki is a pseudo-anglicism, meaning it was adapted from the English word 'freaky' but has undergone a complete shift in meaning to suit Spanish pop culture.
- In Spain, the term friki can apply to any obsessive passion, meaning a person could be a friki of trains, stamps or medieval history, not just computers.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone a friki can be a badge of honor among friends, rather than the insult it might imply in other contexts.
Examples in context
- Soy un friki del cineI'm a movie geek
- Ella es muy empollona en matemáticasShe's a real math geek
- Mi hermano es un friki de la informática.My brother is a computer geek.
- Es un poco friki con los gadgets nuevos.He is a bit of a geek with new gadgets.
- No soy un friki, pero me gusta la tecnología.I'm not a geek, but I like technology.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a new computer build.
- Lucía¿Sabes reparar este ordenador, Mateo?Do you know how to repair this computer, Mateo?
- MateoSí, ya sabes que soy un friki de la tecnología.Yes, you already know I am a tech geek.
- Lucía¡Qué suerte tengo de tenerte cerca!How lucky I am to have you nearby!
- MateoNo te preocupes, lo arreglaré pronto.Don't worry, I will fix it soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry friki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries friki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
